Diagnosis and Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A squamous cell carcinoma typically looks like a raised, scaly patch on your skin. You may notice that the base of the growth is slightly pink or inflamed. The growth isn’t usually painful, but it does need to be investigated by a dermatologist at the London skin clinic.

Diagnosing Squamous Cell Carcinoma

If you have an unusual growth that you suspect could be an SCC, you can make an appointment directly with a dermatologist in London. You may also be referred to a dermatologist if you go to see your GP. The diagnosis of a squamous cell carcinoma usually requires a biopsy or lab test. Although the dermatologist will usually be able to recognise an SCC by its appearance, you will probably need to have some tests done before the diagnosis can be confirmed. The doctor may want to remove a small sample of tissue so that it can be tested in the lab. This is known as a biopsy. In some cases, the entire growth may be removed right away, before you have been given a diagnosis. The growth can then be tested under a microscope in the lab, just like a biopsy sample. If the tests reveal that there are cancer cells present and you are diagnosed with SCC, you may need further treatment.

Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The risk of a squamous cell carcinoma spreading is low, but it is still important to have the growth removed. Since SCCs are most likely to appear on areas of skin that are often exposed to the sun, they can be very unsightly and highly visible. There is also the chance that the cancer will eventually spread, which could cause serious problems in other parts of your body. If the tumour was not removed for testing, your dermatologist can remove it surgically at the London clinic. The removed section of skin will be checked in the lab to ensure that the entire tumour has been eliminated.